The 2025 Nobel Prize results are out! Next, we’ll introduce the six Nobel laureates. The path of science has never been smooth, but the power of role models is immense. Genosight will look to these Nobel winners as examples, inspiring us to keep moving forward in the field of decentralized science! #2025NobelPrizes #NobelLaureates #DecentralizedScience #Genosight #ScienceRoleModels

Congratulations to Prof Ryan Blumenthal, on his extraordinary achievement as a winner for the Communication Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. He is a Senior Specialist, Forensic Pathologist and Associate Professor: Dept of Forensic Medicine, @UP For advancing science, fostering international collaboration, and bridging the gap between science and the public through his books, documentary series, conferences, and YouTube channel that have raised public awareness and understanding of forensics Watch more: youtube.com/watch?v=MMSLBLVw… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to AmaQawe ngeMfundo, on their extraordinary achievement as a winner for the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. For empowering marginalised South African learners by making STEM education accessible through hands-on learning, mentorship, localised instruction, and career exposure, equipping learners with skills to solve community challenges and which drive national development Watch more: youtube.com/watch?v=MMSLBLVw… @South_32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Prof Andrew Forbes, on his extraordinary achievement as a winner for the Special Annual Theme Award: Quantum Science and Technology of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. For driving the strategy for developing a new generation of quantum scientists, with some 90 young researchers supported and supervised across the country, and for creating a lasting and far-reaching impact in quantum science and technology in SA Watch more: youtube.com/watch?v=MMSLBLVw… @South_32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrow

Congratulations to Prof Tjaart Krüger, on his extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Special Annual Theme Award: Quantum Science and Technology of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the @UPTuks ; and also, in the TW Kambule-NSTF Researcher category.* The nominee has contributed significantly to identifying the design principles underlying the extraordinary efficiency and adaptability of solar energy harvesting in photosynthetic organisms. His unique approach is in developing single-molecule spectroscopy methods to investigate the quantum-mechanical processes of photosynthetic light harvesting at the ultimate level of sensitivity, free from the obscuring effects of standard bulk experimental approaches. The deep insights gained from these studies address various fundamental challenges currently limiting the efficiency, stability, and cost of organic solar cells. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Prof Andrew Forbes, on his extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Special Annual Theme Award: Quantum Science and Technology of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. He is a Distinguished Professor at the @WitsUniversity ; Director: South African Quantum Technology Initiative; and also, in the Engineering Research Capacity Development category. * Forbes is nominated for being a key driver of capacity building in quantum science and technology. He has directly supervised ~100 young researchers, with demographics that read ~75% non-white and/or female and ~95% South African, driving much needed transformation. His students have won over 100 awards, several international, as well as producing three SAIP Silver Medal winners, unmatched in all of physics. As Director of SA’s quantum programme, he is driving the strategy for a new generation of quantum scientists, with ~90 young researchers supported across the country, for a lasting and far-reaching impact. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Prof Somnath Bhattacharyya, on his extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Special Annual Theme Award: Quantum Science and Technology of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. He is a Personal Professor at the @WitsUniversity. Bhattacharyya, a Professor in Physics at Wits, Johannesburg, since 2012, founded the Nano-Scale Transport Physics Laboratory, which pioneered quantum-nanotechnology in SA. His expertise includes superconducting carbon-based quantum technology, qubit-circuit designing & testing, quantum simulations, and theoretical models. He demonstrated diamond-based quantum tunnel devices, spin-triplet superconductivity, diamond qubits, and NV-center-based quantum technology. He published two books [“Evolution: Classical Philosophy meets Quantum Science” and “Carbon Superstructures: From Quantum Transport to Quantum Computation”], five book chapters, and over 100 journal papers. He supervised 8 PhD, 8 MSc students, 8 postdocs, and established many international collaborations. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to @QawengeMfundo, on their extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. Prof Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi is a Founder and Director; Deputy Dean: Research and Innovation, Faculty of Natural Sciences at the @UWConline; Associate Professor: Physical Chemistry; Research Leader: SensorLab Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, UWC. AmaQawe ngeMfundo is a transformative initiative dedicated to bridging the STEM education gap in marginalised South African communities. (STEM = science, technology, engineering and mathematics.) By providing interactive STEM workshops, hands-on experiments, and career exposure, the programme inspires learners to pursue STEM careers while reinforcing classroom learning through school-based laboratories and personalised tutoring. Unlike other initiatives, AmaQawe ngeMfundo integrates mentorship from relatable role models and demystifies complex scientific concepts in local languages, making STEM more accessible. This unique approach not only enhances academic success but also empowers youth with the skills and confidence to solve community challenges, fostering long-term socioeconomic impact and national development. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Ms Shakira Hoosain, on her extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Communication Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. is a Campaign Strategist and Senior Copywriter at the @UPTuks . Research Matters is the UP’s dedicated, multimedia-rich science communication portal. The portal was the first of its kind for any university in SA since 2015. Published academic research is communicated through storytelling practices to make the research easy to understand and easily accessible. These stories are sent to the media for wider circulation. Stories are illustrated with bold, cinematic photography, and supported with videos, infographics, podcasts, opinion pieces and other multimedia. RE. SEARCH magazine is hosted on the site. This site is a resource for the public because we elucidate on a range of topics from astronomy to zoology and people can find answers to complex questions in an easy-to-understand manner. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS): Communicating the Learning Journey, on their extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Communication Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. Prof Julian May is the Director at the University of Western Cape and the @UNESCO Chair-holder: African Food Systems. The DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS), a government-backed initiative under the @dstigovza and the NRF, has conducted, “Learning Journeys in the Breede River Municipality” to explore food system challenges. Rooted in the belief that “people grow and eat food in a place, not in an economic sector”, these journeys bring together community members, activists, academics, and government representatives to foster collaborative problem-solving. The CoE-FS Communication and Engagement portfolio plays a crucial role in ensuring that research findings are effectively disseminated, fostering transparency, public engagement, and real-world impact. Through strategic communication, it ensures the CoE-FS’s work remains relevant, accessible, and aligned with the needs of relevant communities, reinforcing the importance of place-based food systems in addressing food security challenges. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to @dstigovza /NRF Centre of Excellence for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis (CIMERA), on their extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Communication Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. Prof Nicola Wagner is the Director. DSI-NRF CIMERA, hosted by the @go2uj and co-hosted by the @WitsUniversity , is a Centre of Excellence for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis. Partnering with ten South African universities and international collaborators, it focuses on fundamental and applied research in ore-forming processes and exploration models. CIMERA supports research and human resource development in mineral and energy resource analysis, producing highly skilled individuals in SET. It promotes equitable, sustainable growth in SA and is the only university-based economic geology research centre in Africa, receiving national and international recognition for its achievements. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Prof Namrita Lall, on her extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Innovation Award: Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. She is a Research Chair at the @UPTuks . Prof Lall’s innovation has resulted in about 41 patents obtained/filed including 3 US- patents for various technologies developed related to pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Her research work in Phytomedicine field, is cutting edge and par excellence placing her within the Essential Science Indicators list of the top 1% of publication outputs (citations) in the discipline of PHARMACOLOGY and TOXICOLOGY. She received several international and national awards including the highest honour of the country; “The Order of Mapungubwe”, which was bestowed on her by the honourable President Jacob Zuma in April 2014, Top Intellectual Property award (2019, for maximum number of patents), Biotech Fundi Lifetime Contribution Award (2017); just to name a few. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit at the @UPTuks, on their extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Data for Research Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. Dr Vermeulen is a Lecturer and Research Manager: MRI Whale Unit, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, UP. The MRI Whale Unit has been at the forefront of marine mammal research since 1985, building Africa’s most comprehensive whale monitoring programs. By tracking population trends, habitat use, and climate change impacts, its research directly informs conservation policies at national and international levels, including contributions to the IWC Scientific Committee, Southern Ocean Research Partnership, and IUCN. Collaborating with DFFE, SAEON, SAPRI, and CapeNature, the MRI Whale Unit bridges science and policy. Beyond research, it drives public education through partnerships with WWF and the upcoming South African Whale Centre, ensuring that marine science benefits both conservation and communities. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Dr Mahlatse Kganyago, on his extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the NSTF- Agricultural Research Council (ARC)Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. He is a Senior Lecturer: Dept of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the @go2uj ; and also, in the TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher category. * Dr Kganyago is an expert in remote sensing and GIS, using space technology and AI to enhance our understanding of agricultural and ecological systems. His work focuses on developing innovative tools and methods to monitor agricultural and natural resources, aiding sustainable management and food security. By integrating advanced technologies like satellite imaging and AI, he stands out for his ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for farmers, land managers and policymakers. He leads projects that bridge international collaborations for food security, delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to African challenges. His efforts ensure better-informed decisions for resilient agro-ecological systems. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 @ARCSouthAfrica #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Prof Olaniyi Amos Fawole, on his extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the NSTF- Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. He is a Chair-holder: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)/National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in Sustainable Preservation and Agroprocessing Researcha at the @go2uj ; Founding Director: Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC), UJ; Full Professor (Extraordinary) at @StellenboschUni ; Visiting Full Professor: University of Bari Aldo, Italy; and also in the TW Kambule-NSTF Researcher category.* Prof Fawole is pioneering sustainable solutions in postharvest technology and agroprocessing to reduce food losses and enhance agricultural sustainability in SA. His work focuses on developing bio-based edible coatings as alternatives to plastic packaging and optimizing agroprocessing techniques. Through a collaboration with the @ARCSouthAfrica , he has advanced innovations that support agro-industries and training ARC-linked postgraduate students. His efforts contribute directly to food security, economic growth, and sustainability, aligning with global environmental goals.Furthermore, his work supports the South African National Development Plan by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing rural economic opportunities, and strengthening food security strategies. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology @ICGEB , Cape Town component, on their extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Science Diplomacy for Africa Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. Dr Luiz Zerbini, Director; Group Leader: Cancer Genomics. ICGEB is the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation for research, training and technology transfer in the field of Life Sciences and Biotechnology. With approx. 70 Member States (MS) across the globe, the majority from Africa (24), ICGEB, in partnership with the South African @dstigovza, host the Cape Town Component, playing a significant role in SA, across the African Continent and globally. ICGEB champions scientific diplomacy, using science to bring countries together in a unique manner to solve major global challenges. Through international cooperation and collaboration, ICGEB’s efforts in training and human capacity development, via the Fellowship Programme has had a significant impact in South Africa and across the African Continent and remains one of the organisation’s key and impactful instruments of action. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 @africascidip #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Dr Yaseera Ismail, on her extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the TW Kambule-NSTF: Researcher Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards – the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. She is a senior Lecturer: Physics Department at the @StellenboschUni. Dr Ismail heads the QuPhotonics Lab at Stellenbosch University. She is an experimentalist focusing on the development of quantum optical systems for quantum communication. Quantum communication relies on transferring single photons across a quantum channel for the security of information, which can be implemented via fibre or free space, including satellite-based links. She has a successful BRICS collaboration in which she implemented an intercontinental satellite-based quantum communication link between China and South Africa, breaking two world records; the longest intercontinental link and the highest key rate achieved globally. The link implemented at Stellenbosch University is the first quantum satellite demonstration on the Southern Hemisphere, in South Africa and the African Continent. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Dr Hendrik Smith, on his extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. He is s Conservation Agriculture Facilitator. Dr Smith works in the field of regenerative conservation agriculture (CA). He is a soil scientist by training and has 31 years of experience of which 90% of that has been to research and develop context specific CA systems in summer grain production areas of SA. The transformation to CA is critical to sustain agricultural sustainability and profitability. It improves, regenerates and protects natural resources while increasing and sustaining farm profits and rural livelihoods. His work has led to high impact / success, primarily due to using an on-farm participatory systems research approach with farmers as key innovators and partners. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 @TIA #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Bioplastics and Biocomposites Team @CSIR, on their extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards – the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. Dr Maya Mathew (John) is a Principal Researcher and Platform Leader. The team’s innovative research provides circular solutions to tackle the problem of plastic pollution by developing sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives from biomass resources to replace single-use plastics in various industrial sectors and collaborating with industries for creating opportunities for local manufacturing. The research work is unique as it contributes to reducing plastic pollution through different approaches: development of environmentally sustainable alternatives and recycling of products/materials to ensure it is circulated within the economy. The research work spans from laboratory work to advanced technology readiness levels (TRL) 4-7 of prototype development to ensure technical and manufacturing feasibility. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth

Congratulations to Dr Sean Perry, on his extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the NSTF-Water Research Commission (WRC) Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards – the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to #science, #engineering, #technology (SET) and #innovation in SA since 1998. Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Solutions; and also in the Innovation: Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise category*. The innovative product developed by Dr Perry and AMD Solutions is a natural plant extract-based treatment for acid mine drainage (AMD). This biodegradable solution, which utilizes organic materials such as sisal, chitosan, marula shells, and other natural components, is designed to eliminate heavy metals and toxins from contaminated water sources. The key problem it addresses is contamination of water by heavy metals and sulphates, a major environmental issue in South Africa, particularly from abandoned mines. What makes it innovative: 1. Biodegradability: The treatment is composed of 99% organic materials, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-based solutions. 2. Targeted Toxin Removal: The technology has high specificity for removing multiple toxins, including heavy metals like chromium and manganese, as well as sulphates, with up to 97% removal efficiency. 3. Adsorption Technology: The solution uses adsorption, where positively charged ions on the surface of the material attract and bind negatively charged toxins. This process is highly effective across a variety of contaminants. 4. Scalability: The technology can be integrated into existing water treatment plants without requiring a complete overhaul of the infrastructure. Unique Selling Point (USP): The biodegradable, natural composition and the fact that it can remove a wide range of contaminants without introducing harmful chemicals into the environment make it an ideal solution for both industrial and municipal water treatment sectors. The cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach also distinguishes it from conventional treatments that often rely on expensive chemicals and produce toxic waste. See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: nstf.org.za/current-finalist… @South32 @WRC #NSTFawards2025 #scienceoscars #research #scientificresearch #development #KnowledgeBasedEconomy #sciencerolemodels #scienceexcellence #socioeconomicgrowth